The ABS published new Net Overseas Migration figures for the financial years 2001-02 and 2002-03 on 11 December 2003 after a review of methodology (see Australian Demographic Statistics June quarter 2003). The new methodology is now in place and will be improved as more information becomes available. The new 2002-2003 estimates of Net Overseas Migration are preliminary. These will be revised in September 2004 after the accumulation of 15 months data after the June 2003 quarter. Similarly, preliminary quarterly estimates for 2004-2005 to be released over the coming 12 months will be revised in September 2005.

Available data on international movements have shown that a large number of people come into the country with the intention of staying long-term, have then made a second movement across the border within a 12 month period. A similar situation occurs with those residents of Australia who leave the country for more than 12 months. Conversely a large number of people arrive in Australia stating their intention to stay for less than 12 months (or in the case of Australian residents, stay away from Australia for less than 12 months), then subsequently stay on for more than 12 months.